he foot of them were twelve images ranged in a semicircular form,
and before the middle figure stood a high stand or table, exactly
resembling the Whatta of Othaheiti, on which lay a putrid hog, and
under it pieces of sugar cane, cocoanuts, bread fruit, plantains
and sweet potatoes. Koah having placed the Captain under the stand,
took down the hog and held it toward him; and after having a second
time addressed him in a long speech, pronounced with much vehemence
and rapidity, he let it fall on the ground and led him to the
scaffolding, which they began to climb together, not without great
risk of falling. At this time we saw coming in solemn procession,
at the entrance of the top of the Morai, ten men carrying a live
hog and a large piece of red cloth. Being advanced a few paces, they
stopped and prostrated themselves; and Kaireekeea, the young man above
mentioned, went to them, and receiving the cloth carried it to Koah,
who wrapped it around the Captain, and afterwards offered him the hog,
which was brought by Kaireekeea with the same ceremony.

"Whilst Captain Cook was aloft in this awkward situation, swathed
round with red cloth, and with difficulty keeping his hold amongst
the pieces of rotten scaffolding, Kaireekeea and Koah began their
office, chanting sometimes in concert and sometimes alternately. This
lasted a considerable time; at length Koah let the hog drop, when he
and the Captain descended together. He then led him to the images
before mentioned, and, having said something to each in a sneering
tone, snapping his fingers at them as he passed, he brought him to
that in the center, which, from its being covered with red cloth,
appeared to be in greater estimation than the rest. Before this
figure he prostrated himself and kissed it, desiring Captain Cook to
do the same, who suffered himself to be directed by Koah throughout
the whole of this ceremony.

"We were now led back to the other division of the Morai, where there
was a space ten or twelve feet square, sunk about three feet below
the level of the area. Into this we descended, and Captain Cook was
seated between two wooden idols, Koah supporting one of his arms,
whilst I was desired to support the other. At this time arrived a
second procession of natives, carrying a baked hog and a pudding,
some bread fruit, cocoanuts and other vegetables. When they approached
us Kaireekeea put himself at their head, and presenting the pig to
Captain Cook in the u